B2B registration closes in record time

The “race before the race” ended Friday morn- ing with 4,000 runners registered for the TD Beach to Beacon 10K Road Race in a record-setting three minutes and 43 seconds. Those still looking for a spot at the start line on Aug. 6 began entering the lottery.

Runners now have until midnight on March 20 to register for one of the 1,950 remaining bibs available through the lottery, which will be drawn on March 22. Runners can sign up for the lottery at the race website, www.beach2beacon.org.

"While you don’t have to be fast to run the TD Beach to Beacon 10K, you do have to be fast to register, as was proven again this year with another record breaking effort,” said Race President Mike Stone. “We want to thank RacePartner, who handles our registration, for making the process as seamless as it is. And thanks to all the runners for getting up early and registering. Good luck and be safe with your training. We look forward to seeing you at the starting line on Aug. 6.”

In a nod to Sir Roger Bannister, the TD Beach to Beacon’s online registration broke the four-minute barrier for the first time. The new mark of 3:43, in fact, sliced 32 seconds off the old record of 4:15, set in 2015.

Bannister, who attended the 2001 TD Beach to Beacon as an honorary guest, in 1954 attained worldwide fame by becoming the first runner to run a sub-four-minute mile. Now almost 62 years later, coincidentally, the world record for the mile stands at 3:43.17.On Thursday, Cape Elizabeth residents, given a 24-hour window to fill 600 online slots, reached the cap in five minutes and 24 seconds, also a new record.

The quickest – and first – registrant was Jason Huddy of Cumberland. The 34-year-old Unum employee, who ran the TD Beach to Beacon for the first time last year, set a new all-time speed record Friday by completing his registration in a blazing 39 seconds. The previous record of 45.27 was set in 2013.

Those who got into the race received an email confirmation from race organizers and those who did not were re-directed to the bib lottery registration process. By 10 a.m. on Friday, 1,793 runners had entered the lottery, slightly ahead of last year’s pace. Each lottery entrant is charged $5. Runners who get into the race via the lottery will be notified by e-mail and their names will be posted on the race website on March 22.

Registration also is underway for the TD Beach to Beacon’s 119 legacy runners who have taken part in all 18 past races.

In addition, the race’s 2016 beneficiary – My Place Teen Center – as well as past beneficiaries will make bib numbers available to runners in exchange for fundraising and/or support.